The crackling sounds of spices popping from the ‘Kadhai’ and the whistles of the pressure cooker are enough to allow a foodie’s heart to skip a beat at the mention of the ‘Indian Thali’. I feel that the Thali is the adequate embodiment of what India stands for – grandiosity, with bountiful nutrition and a burst of flavours.
Power-packed with nourishment and taste, the Thali offers a unique combo. Every region across the country has curated Thalis with their locally sourced ingredients and recipes. From lentils to rice, parathas to curry and sauteed vegetables to curd and salad – it has it all. All of this interestingly accounts for a balanced diet which includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and fibres.
Along with an exciting trek to the taste buds, the Thali is also cognizant of serving abundance in portion sizes for weight management. Additionally, it encourages mindful eating by engaging all the senses. The colourful platter of food is a sight to behold, the crunch and food textures help the sense of touch and sound, and the taste buds are in for a roller coaster ride of flavours from spicy to sweet.
The contents of the platter and the serving style make the Thali, a complete immersive food experience. It is so powerful that it helps individuals facing cultural alienation abroad connect to their roots and feel at home.
